Congwen Zhao graduated from Duke’s Master of Biostatistics program in 2019. Since graduation, she has been working for the Duke Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Methods Core as a Biostatistician. Congwen works remotely from Boston, Massachusetts.
Please tell us about the pathway to your current position. What led you to the job you now have?
While I was in the B&B Master of Biostatistics program, I was selected to be an intern with the BERD core. My knowledge and skills grew exponentially from this internship. After graduation, I applied for a full-time position as a biostatistician with the BERD Core and have worked with them since 2019.
Can you describe your current role and responsibilities?
I work with my supervisor professor Dr. Ben Goldstein. We focus on conducting statistical analyses using electronic health records in the Duke health system, across multiple research studies, to eventually benefit patient outcomes. I’ve been working as a combination of data scientist and statistician.
What interesting things have you learned about the field of biostatistics now that you are working in it?
I realized it’s really cool using a giant electronic database to draw solid conclusions and make beneficial decisions. What’s more, incorporating AI in this process is very exciting.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
I am always learning from the many resources I use. I enjoy the autonomy and space to develop my own career plan and grow independently.
How did the Duke’s Master of Biostatistics program prepare you for your work or any challenges you face in your current role?
The theoretical knowledge I learned from the program is essential for my job. I improved my coding skills which was critical to doing well in the job interview.
My master’s project work was important as it showed my ability to complete a project from start to end. A good project with a chance of being published as a co-author is a big advantage. My internship was also very important in that it provided me with work experience, along with a recommendation from my internship mentor, when I applied for my job.
Were there any faculty members or mentors who had a significant impact on your learning journey?
I learned so much from my supervisor and professor, Dr. Ben Goldstein. I really appreciate all the opportunities he offered to me. My mentor for my internship, Dr. Hui-Jie Lee, is another impactful person from whom I learned so many things.
What are some projects or achievements of which you’re particularly proud?
My experience in data science, as a database builder, and with statistics is unique. I became one of the leading colleagues promoting EHR usage in our department & BERD core. I tutored many people in using EHR for conducting analyses. Meanwhile, I am expanding from Duke-only EHR to national and world-wide EHR databases.
What advice would you give to current or prospective students in the biostatistics program?
Absorb the theoretical knowledge from your courses, practice your coding skills, and select a quality master’s project. Work towards published results and presentation. Seek out an internship and do a good job in that role.
What are your goals for the next few years in your career?
I plan to keep growing my expertise in EHR usage. I also plan to continue developing my mentorship.
How do you balance your work?
I plan out my work in advance and leave space for urgent matters that come up. For example, I will arrange my time for each of my projects for the next 2 weeks, and leave a half to a whole day for any emergency tasks that show up.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with future MB students?
Value the resources you have during your MB program. These resources are not always found in other majors and programs. Try to absorb as much knowledge as you can while there. You will definitely miss the time in the MB program after graduation.